Meet Jean T. Ritchie originally from near Barnsley, Yorkshire (as a teenager) and most recently from Sacramento, CA who moved to LA three years ago to pursue acting.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
Los Angeles is definitely the place to be regarding opportunities for acting in film and television. The weather is certainly an asset.
What do you miss most from home?
A bit of homesickness takes over whenever I see the Yorkshire countryside in a movie or a photo.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? My first impression of LA was the busyness – freeways, people, streets, neighborhoods, and shopping centers. As a result I have entered the fray. However I have been quite surprised to find the opposite – quiet areas in unexpected places.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Yorkshire and Sacramento?
As mentioned, I’ve lived in the US for many years. However the biggest difference living here in Los Angeles and my hometown, actually village, of Elsecar is the pace of everyday life. It seems as though there’s a palpable energy in the air here in LA.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us? One of my absolute favorite places to visit in LA is the Los Angeles County Arboretum where I go to walk and to contemplate. There are 127 acres with plants, natural landscapes, wildlife, and historic buildings. It’s a location I enjoy visiting throughout the year.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
My advice to others who are thinking about making the move to Los Angeles is to begin to embrace all that LA has to offer. Personally I like the multitude of choices here – studios, Griffith Park Observatory, Hollywood, parks, beaches, ethnic neighborhoods, museums, concerts, shopping centers, restaurants, botanical gardens, classes…
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Can’t say the advice was the best but prior to moving here a friend said, “Whatever you do, don’t take the 405.” I do try to remember that advice but sometimes I have no choice but to take the 405! Make sure to join Brits in LA too. Through them I found Misha Crosby of Real Reels to do my reel as well as following up on an item with British American Talent Management and subsequently being signed with them!
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment? You can find me at: IMDbPro – Jean T. Ritchie.
